It is now possible to apply online for a visa to Dubai through the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD) website.

The department announced yesterday that it would accept the online applications and process them through Emirates airline, according to Khaleej Times daily. The whole process takes one hour upon receipt of the application.

Colonel Saeed Mattar bin Bleilah, the DNRD's director, said he expects many applications from the United States, Canada and other countries where the Emirates does not have a station. And he said the system does not force people to use the Emirates airline.

''The applicant can receive the visa through Emirates, but can fly any other airlines if our national carrier does not have a station the visitor's home country,'' the colonel said. He also said the department would consider adding other airlines that operate out of Dubai International Airport. ''We do not favor any Emirates airline, but the only thing is [that] working with them is easier because we have our immigration officers who are operating in Emirates premises, besides the direct computer link between the airline and the department.''